March 13, 1985
I am pleased to sign today H.R. 1251, which will release over $7 billion in urgently needed
highway and transit construction funds. States can now move forward with projects to close the
remaining gaps in the interstate system, and our goal of completing the interstate system by the
early 1990's is once again attainable.
H.R. 1251 does not increase our deficit projections because expenditure of these funds is already
anticipated in the 1985 and 1986 budgets. Furthermore, this spending is backed by fees paid by
highway users who will benefit from highway improvements.
I recognize that many Members of Congress were faced with some hard decisions in supporting
this legislation. I am pleased with the courage they showed in laying aside numerous provisions of
considerable importance to them in order not to further delay release of these funds. It was a truly
bipartisan effort, and I especially thank the leadership on both sides of the aisle in the Senate and
House whose efforts made this possible.
Note: H.R. 1251, approved March 13, was assigned Public Law No. 99 - 4.